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Mekong Packrafts

Packrafts manufactured in-house in France, Europe.

By Packrafting.cat

March 19^th, 2026

Pack... what?

Welcome to Packrafting.cat.

In this article, I’d like to tell you about the packrafts made by Mekong, but if you’re not yet sure exactly what a packraft is or what packrafting involves, I recommend you first read our introductory article, where we explain it in detail from the very basics:

Mekong Packrafts manufactured in France, Europe:

¡Make Europe great again! 😉

Pablo Pro. New for 2026. All-in-one packraft

2026 gets off to a flying start with some brilliant news for the world of packrafting. Just when I’d practically made up my mind to go for a proper self-bailing packraft for white water—like the Jeanne Dark—along comes the Mekong Packraft and comes up with one of those ideas that makes you rethink everything.

The new Pablo Pro is a revolutionary update to its most iconic model, the Pablo Whisky Bar. A ALL-TERRAIN packraft offering three distinct configurations in a single boat. Three configurations. No limits.

1️⃣ The Pablo Whisky Bar: total versatility (without getting cold)

This model is based on the brand’s best-selling packraft to date, but comes fully equipped with:

Removable shower tray cover
TPU Armor for maximum durability
Thigh straps pre-fitted for control in white water

The result is a packraft that performs almost like a closed whitewater kayak, whilst retaining the lightweight and portable ethos of packrafting.

Ideal for anyone who wants to paddle in the cold with precision and control, without compromising on versatility.

2️⃣ Self-draining design: open, drain and play

Here comes one of the major new features of the Pablo Pro: a patented system of clip-on plugs that allows you to open or close the drainage holes in the base in under a minute.

This means you can turn your packraft into a proper self-bailing raft when the river gets rough, with:

Full-length, double-deck inflatable floor
Built-in footrest
Greater comfort and a more responsive feel in white water
Rapid water drainage

You can switch from cruising mode to whitewater mode without changing boats.

El nuevo modelo de Mekong Packraft, el Pablo Pro es una gran idea, para los que lo queremos todo, en un mismo packraft tenemos autovaciable o no, con cubierta o sin, genial!

3️⃣ Open configuration or with an interchangeable deck

The shower curtain isn't fixed: you can put it up or take it down depending on the outing, the weather or simply your plans for the day.

With deck → greater protection and performance in cold or technical conditions
No deck → lighter, simpler and greater freedom of movement
Conversion in under a minute thanks to the One-Zip system

It’s like having three different packrafts taking up the space of just one.

Todas las partes del nuevo Pablo Pro de Mekong packrafts.

From left to right, photos of the different possible configurations:

Self-bailing for white water: featuring the typical two-level floor design of self-bailing packrafts, including a footrest. In this configuration, the patented cover for the self-draining holes in the packraft’s cockpit is removed, as is the deck. Combined with the Armor configuration and the thighstraps from the series, we have a packraft ideal for white water up to Class IV. These types of models are ideal for wet re-entry / quick self-rescue, are lightweight and offer great freedom of movement.
With a spray skirt: Ideal for winter trips, where the packraft’s cover, combined with the spray skirt, provides extra warmth. In this case, you can opt for the basic seat found on the Pablo Whisky Bar models and cover the self-draining holes with plugs
Ultra-light version for expeditions: for 'pure packraft' expeditions, where we combine walking with our packrafts in our rucksacks, we can opt for the lightest version, which is a spraydeck without knee straps. The extra weight of just 400 grams from the TPU armour is offset by the added strength it provides for our packraft.

In the last photo, you can see how the self-draining hole cover works.

George All Well

The George All Well packraft is one of Mekong’s most iconic models, described by the company itself as “The Essence of Packrafting – The minimalist adventurer’s companion”. This packraft embodies the original philosophy of packrafting: lightness, versatility and ease of transport, designed to accompany adventurers on expeditions where every gram counts. Its minimalist design makes it the perfect companion for those seeking to move freely and explore rivers and lakes without unnecessary weight.

As you know, the packraft’s origins lie in its use on expeditions, where portability and durability were essential. In this respect, the George All Well is a Mekong classic: it combines durable materials with a lightweight design, meaning it fits comfortably in a rucksack without compromising on safety or performance on the water.

One particularly fun and interesting aspect of Mekong is the creativity they bring to naming their packrafts. Many of their models bear names that play on cultural or historical references, creating a fun nod to famous people or literary characters: Jeanne Dark, Jekyll and Ride, or even the quirky Pablo Whisky Bar, which is an exception as this name is dedicated to a specific Mekong trip.

In short, the George All Well embodies everything a classic packraft should be: lightweight, reliable and full of character, ready to accompany you on any minimalist adventure on the water.

Its flat hull offers maximum stability and features four stainless steel attachment points for securing your rucksack or bike. George is the perfect companion both for those looking for a minimalist raft and for those wanting to take their first steps into the world of packrafting. I think it’s worth noting that, although the bottom is flat, all Mekong packrafts have a slight rocker, which is always useful.

It includes an inflatable seat, an ultra-lightweight inflation bag and can be fitted with a waterproof Tizip for internal storage. You can choose between our classic fabric or, if you need greater protection, opt for the more robust Armor version.

Recommended for: Lakes, Class I–II rivers and long-distance bike-rafting. Ideal for those travelling light but looking for a high-quality packraft.

But this lightness comes at a price. It is achieved by omitting components that other packrafts do have:

Thigh straps: They probably aren’t much use on this packraft, which isn’t designed for white water.
It does not have a reinforced base to make it lighter.
By not having a bath cover to keep the weight down, you avoid having to buy the Coaming Tube

FEATURES:

Material / Durability of the packraft:

Classic: 210-denier high-density nylon with a double TPU coating on the sides, offering extreme abrasion resistance. The floor is made from 840 denier fabric, also with a double TPU coating, for greater durability and protection. Armor: 420 denier on the shell.
Leafield D7 Speed valve
Dimensions: Internal: 124 cm / Plus: 144 cm | External: 245 cm / Plus: 265 cm. Internal hip width: 36 cm | External: 90 cm | Tube diameter: 27 cm
Weight: Standard: 2690 g / Plus: 2875 g. Weight of accessories: 678 g (Seat: 226 g / Backrest: 254 g / Bag: 98 g / Inflator: 78 g / Straps: 22 g). Total weight: 3268 g / Plus: 3453 g | Additional weight (Armor): +665 g.
Maximum load capacity: 160 kg / Plus: 190 kg

La forma de rocker, con la proa y la popa un poco elevadas de los packrafts Mekong.

COMPONENTS OF A MEKONG PACKRAFT

All Mekong packrafts include:

Inflatable armchair, which can be simpler or larger, particularly in the self-deflating models.
EVA foam backrest
Inflation bag
Hand pump, for final inflation or inflation whilst on the go
Straps (x2)
Repair Kit

Pablo Whisky Bar

The Mekong Packraft Pablo Whisky Bar is undoubtedly one of the most versatile packrafts on the market and offers excellent value for money. At packrafting.cat, we have put it to the test on legendary rivers of manageable difficulty such as the Ardèche or the Tara River in Montenegro, proving that it is a reliable, stable and surprisingly versatile craft.

With the Pablo, you can do practically anything: from gliding down dam slides like the one on the River Cabriel, to tackling technical and demanding rapids such as El Patriarca on the River Mijares, to embarking on expeditions through narrow and very rocky canyons such as the Lumi i Shales, where durability and manoeuvrability make all the difference.

We also took the Armor version of the Pablo Whisky Bar on a 20-day trip through the Grand Canyon, where the high-volume packraft performed exceptionally well and gave us no trouble whatsoever.

With prices starting at around €900 and going up to €1,318 for the fully equipped version, the Pablo Whisky Bar offers a packraft suitable for all types of packrafting. It is perfectly suited for bikerafting, thanks to sufficient space in the bow to carry a bicycle; for expeditions, especially in its lightweight version without armour and with a TIZIP zip; and for white water, where the use of thigh straps becomes essential for precise control in technical rapids.

Borja con su Pablo Whisky Bar lanzandose por la presa del río Cabriel.

In short, this packraft is designed for those who don’t want to be limited to a single style and are looking for a boat capable of adapting to a wide variety of rivers, adventures and skill levels, without breaking the bank. If you like, I can tailor the tone to be more commercial, more technical or more narrative, depending on where you plan to publish it.

The Mekong brand

Mékong is a young French packraft brand founded in 2018 in the Drôme region. What sets it apart is that it designs, manufactures and manages 100% of its production chain in-house, making it a brand that is entirely “made in France”. Behind the project are Olivier and Rob, who are passionate about travel and adventure.

After returning from a trip down the Mekong River in Southeast Asia (yes, that’s where the name comes from), he decided to launch his own brand and develop a lightweight, sturdy boat with a good load-carrying capacity. And so the first model was born: the Mékong Pablo Whisky Bar.

Years later, Mékong remains—and intends to remain—a company on a human scale that oversees the entire manufacturing process of its packrafts. Today, in addition to the Pablo Whisky Bar, the range has been expanded with new models: a lightweight, open packraft (George Orwell), others with a fixed deck, a self-bailing model (Jeanne Dark) and their respective two-seater versions. In short, the young company from Drôme now offers a complete range capable of meeting the needs of the most demanding packrafters.

Otra vez Borja en el rápido del Patriarca en el río Mijares.

Ultra-stable, lightweight, durable and easy to handle, Pablo will take you from the river on your doorstep to the ends of the earth. Planning to paddle in white water? Choose the thigh pads and fixed cockpit to enjoy great control and stay dry whatever the conditions. Looking for even more versatility? Then opt for the fully removable cockpit and adapt your packraft to every outing and the weather conditions.

Weighing just 4.3 kg in the Standard size, the Pablo offers an excellent balance between weight and durability, and can be stowed away discreetly in either a rucksack or a bike rack.

A firm favourite with bikerafters and long-distance adventurers, Pablo is a true all-rounder. With a load capacity of 140 kilos and the option to add an internal storage system, you can set off on a multi-day trip! Ride and paddle with complete freedom.

Recommended for: moderate rivers (Class II to III), lakes and calm seas. The Plus size is recommended for taller paddlers (over 180 cm) or for those who regularly carry their two-wheeled companion or four-legged friends.

Nuestra musa Borja, en el río Una en Bosnia.

Like all Mekong packrafts, the frame is assembled without a single drop of glue. It is fully welded using high-frequency technology, which ensures the strongest possible bond between the materials.

Materials

Classic: 210 high-density nylon with a double TPU coating on the side walls and 840-denier fabric with a double TPU coating offering extreme abrasion resistance for the floor.
Armour: 420 high-density nylon with a double TPU coating for the side walls, and 840-denier fabric with a double TPU coating offering extreme abrasion resistance for the floor.

Valve

From 2024, Mekong packrafts will feature a new valve, the Leafield D7 Speed, which makes inflation quicker and easier.

In collaboration with valve manufacturer Leafield, we have developed the Leafield D7 Speed valve for the 2024 models, which makes inflation quicker and easier. The Leafield D7 Speed valve is extremely robust and durable and comes with a lifetime guarantee.

The seats are fitted with low-profile one-way valves that feature a tab to facilitate rapid deflation.

You can read our article on this Packraft, which we’ve had the chance to test extensively, as several members of the community use it:

En un lago del parque nacional Oulanka en Finlandia.

FEATURES

Datos

Internal length – Standard size: 124 cm / Size Plus: 144 cm
External length – Standard size: 245 cm / Size Plus: 265 cm
Pipe diameter: 27 cm
Internal width at hip height: 36 cm / External width at hip height: 90 cm
Packraft weight – Standard size: 3184 g / Plus size: 3372 g
Weight of the packraft without the non-slip cover (Standard size): 2812 g / Plus size: 3003 g
Weight of accessories: 1062 g
Seat: 226 g
Back cover: 254 g
Skirt: 260 g
Fender ring: 124 g
Inflation bag: 98 g
Hand pump: 78 g
Straps: 22 g
Total weight with spraydeck (splash guard) Standard size: 4146 g / Plus size: 4334 g
Total weight without spraydeck Standard size: 3390 g / Plus size: 3581 g
Additional weight Armour version: +665 g
Maximum load capacity Standard size: 150 kg / Plus size: 170 kg

Jeanne Dark

If you’re looking for a packraft that combines extreme performance with endless fun, the Jeanne Dark from Mekong is your ideal companion. Designed to tackle rapids and spectacular rivers, its three-dimensional hull and pronounced forward rocker allow you to navigate waves, eddies and obstacles with complete confidence. The streamlined bow, together with the tapered side tubes of smaller diameter, improves manoeuvrability and makes turns and rolls easier, whilst the flatter stern adds to the fun of boofing over ledges and jumps.

The Jeanne Dark isn’t just for experts: its high primary stability and rigid yet comfortable self-draining deck, combined with the 5 knee support points, ensure every movement is precise – perfect for those seeking elegance and style on technical descents. What’s more, its playful design offers enough safety for beginners looking to venture into more challenging waters.

Comfort is guaranteed thanks to the two-level inflatable floor with integrated footrests and the EVA foam backrest, which maintain an ergonomic paddling position without compromising on rigidity. Available in Standard and Plus sizes, it adapts to every paddler, optimising the experience on any river.

Made from high-tenacity nylon with a double TPU coating and available in the durable Armor 420D fabric, the Jeanne Dark combines lightness and durability. With its extremely light weight and compact size, it’s easy to carry in a rucksack or on a bike, making it ideal for routes that require carrying or have difficult access points. It also includes a D7 quick inflator, a large inflation bag and high-quality accessories, ensuring optimal performance on every adventure.

Recommended for: Challenging to very challenging rivers (Class III–IV), for those looking to experience white water in a fun, safe and high-performance packraft.

With Jeanne Dark, get ready to paddle to the limit and enjoy every wave!

Jeanne Dark (under construction)

Jekyll & ride

TODO

Double Hull Shape

The term double hull shape literally means “double hull” or “double hull shape”.

What is a double hull on a packraft?

This is a design in which the packraft has two layers or structural compartments in the hull section:

An outer hull: the main part that comes into contact with the water.
An inner shell or secondary structure within the outer shell, which creates a stiffer, more stable or more efficient base when rowing.

The double hull can provide:

Greater rigidity in the hull, improving rowing performance.
Greater stability, especially in choppy waters.
Greater safety, because if one side is punctured, the other side remains buoyant???
Improved hydrodynamic shape (more efficient, faster).

Not all packrafts feature this design: many have a classic flat bottom. The double hull is more commonly found in whitewater and expedition models, or in designs aimed at higher performance.